ORCHID PRIMULA Vialii

Despite it's dainty name, Orchid Primula is a robust perennial, with extremely showy spikes of red and pink flowers! Primula are one of the most colorful plants for primula are especially valued for the tall stems and layers of blooms, that are held well above the foliage, easily visible among surrounding plants. Primula like cool temperatures and bloom early in the spring.

Type: Hardy perennial

Height: 50cm/19"

Location: to part sun. Can tolerate full sun in northern climates.

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Seeds per pack: 10

Note: Many commonly-grown seeds and plants contain poisonous parts, this included. The juice or sap from these plants and seeds can cause a rash or irritation. Please keep these seeds and plants in a safe place, and handle with care.

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds on the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.

Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall, winter, or early spring, while temperatures are still cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist.